Quepos Monthly Achievement February 2016

Social and Emotional Learning in Quepos

Objective
As a Community Development and Education project in Costa Rica, GVI Quepos seeks to make positive changes through inspiration, education, and facilitation from the ground up. Associated objectives are as followed:
Foster an environment safe for learning and expression for children in El Cocal
Encourage greater school attendance
Provide children with the tools necessary to encounter success both in and outside of the classroom

Summary
In order to achieve these goals, GVI Quepos has implemented a new program that gracefully balances
traditional learning topics such as English and Science together with Social and Emotional lessons,
such as Respect and Problem Solving. The purpose of providing a curriculum based on Social and Emotional Learning is to aid the children in the skill development necessary to take control of their emotions
and
interact
in
a
positive
way
with
their
peers.

Report
The community of El Cocal exists just outside of the center of Quepos, on an isolated peninsula without easy access. The area is comprised of pristine beaches, sheet metal homes, and a colorful demographic of Costa Ricans, Nicaraguans, and other Latin Americans whom have often fled past civil conflict in their home countries. Born from a combination of outlying factors, the communitys microculture often struggles to provide a comfortable learning environment for the children of El Cocal. In
response, GVI Quepos has begun to implement a Social and Emotional Learning program that seeks
to provide students with the tools necessary to better manage themselves both in the classroom and
in
the
world
around
them.
Social and Emotional Learning
(SEL) has begun to accumulate
a great amount of attention in
the classroom setting on a
global scale, especially as a result of the research conducted
by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional
Learning (CASEL). CASEL defines SEL as the process
through which children and
adults acquire and effectively
apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to
understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive
goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. In the childrens very traditional school classroom, these types of skills are not
highly
prioritizedthat
is
where
GVI
comes
into
play.

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Adapting and implementing an SEL program fit for the community in El Cocal has had an exceeding amount of rewards
and challenges. Once the research surrounding the alreadyestablished SEL programs was complete, GVI Quepos past
project structures were evaluated. By taking an analytical
approach from both angles, a well-rounded and multidimensional 6-month curriculum was developed for El Cocal.
The projects new curriculum design utilizes a hands-on, experiential approach to introducing our students to Social
and Emotional Learning while continuing to involve English
and Natural Science lessons in conjunction with SEL.
Each week has a central theme that revolves around a specific Social and Emotional value. For example, as GVI Quepos moves into the third week of March, our volunteers will
focus on working with the children in Decision Making.
Through intentional, directive games and activities, students will consider the decision making process: what are my options? What are the associated consequences? How will this impact my future
and/or those around me? The objective behind this lesson is to encourage children to slow down and
consider their options before reacting to a situation, to expand on previous lessons surrounding problem solving and empathy, and to give the children tools for productive independence.
Over the last month, we have had the incredible fortune of watching this program materialize as children grow and connect the dots between the themes of each week. As with anything new, we have
encountered obstacles that required minor program adjustments. Despite such challenges, the Quepos team has proudly achieved a working level of stability and fluidity with GVI Quepos new Social
and Emotional Learning Curriculum. We are very excited for what the future will bring!

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